Apple cuts profitable model for app developers

Fruity inventor of the rounded rectangle Apple might have made a step too far towards hacking off developers trying to make money off its app store. Jobs’ Mob has noticed how a certain class of apps such as Candy Crush are making a lot of money and decided to shut them down.

According to new policies in the iOS 8 App Store, Candy Crush and other apps that reward you for social sharing will be forbidden. Those that provide in-game credit for watching videos are also under fire, along with apps that promote other apps.

One of my contacts within the mobile developer community told me that Apple was already a nightmare to work for, but taking away whole business models was making it impossible. “These app monetisation strategies are really common and Apple's policies are making it impossible,” he said.

Platforms like Tapjoy, which lets you download an app instead of making an in-game payment, will clearly be affected. Jobs’ Mob’s move is a well meaning move to clear the App Store of the apps made just to earn cash, but like most autocratic and hamfisted moves more legit titles will be squashed as well. If Apple enforces its ban retroactively some big-name titles would be pulled.